Jamie Oliver Tandoori Chicken

Jamie Oliver Tandoori Chicken is a bold, flavorful, and smoky Indian-inspired dish where chicken is marinated in a spiced yogurt-based marinade and cooked to juicy perfection. Traditionally, tandoori chicken is grilled in a tandoor (clay oven), but this recipe adapts it for the oven, grill, or air fryer while keeping the authentic charred flavor and vibrant color.

What is Jamie Oliver Tandoori Chicken?

Tandoori chicken is a North Indian dish where chicken is marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture containing garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The marinade tenderizes the chicken, infusing it with deep, rich flavors, while cooking at high heat creates a smoky, slightly charred crust.

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• Air Fryer Lemon Chicken
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• Jamie Oliver Shepherd’s Pie

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Authentic flavors: Inspired by traditional Indian tandoori cooking.
• Juicy and smoky: The yogurt marinade ensures tenderness and high heat creates the perfect char.
• Versatile cooking options: Can be made in an oven, grill, air fryer, or stovetop.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking process.
• Healthy and high in protein: A nutritious, flavorful dish with no heavy sauces.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Tandoori Chicken

For the Marinade:

• Chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts (1kg, bone-in, skinless) – Traditional for tandoori.
• Greek yogurt (200g, full-fat preferred) – Helps tenderize the chicken.
• Garlic cloves (4, minced) – Adds depth to the marinade.
• Ginger (1-inch piece, grated) – Brings warmth and spice.
• Lemon juice (2 tbsp, freshly squeezed) – Adds tang and helps tenderize.
• Ground cumin (1 tsp) – Provides earthy, nutty notes.
• Ground coriander (1 tsp) – Enhances the aroma.
• Garam masala (1 tsp) – The signature Indian spice blend.
• Turmeric (½ tsp) – Adds a golden color and mild bitterness.
• Paprika (1 tsp) – Adds a smoky depth.
• Red chili powder (½-1 tsp, optional) – For extra heat.
• Salt (1 tsp) – Enhances all the flavors.
• Olive oil or mustard oil (2 tbsp) – Adds moisture and a slight smoky flavor.

For Garnishing:

• Fresh coriander (for garnish, optional) – Adds freshness.
• Lemon wedges (for serving) – Enhances the citrusy notes.
• Red onion slices (optional, for serving) – Traditional accompaniment.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl – For marinating the chicken.
• Grill, oven, or air fryer – For cooking.
• Tongs – For handling the chicken.
• Baking tray or wire rack – If baking.
• Skewers (optional) – For grilling skewered chicken pieces.

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Tandoori Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, red chili powder, salt, and olive oil.
2. Mix well until smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

3. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel.
4. Make deep cuts or slashes in the chicken so the marinade penetrates deeply.
5. Coat the chicken well with the marinade, rubbing it into the cuts.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best for maximum flavor).

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Option 1: Oven Method (Easy & Convenient)

7. Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F).
8. Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top (this helps with even cooking).
9. Arrange the marinated chicken on the rack, ensuring the pieces are not crowded.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until charred and cooked through.
11. For extra char, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Option 2: Grill Method (Authentic Smoky Flavor)

12. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (200°C/400°F).
13. Lightly oil the grates and place the chicken on the grill.
14. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred.

Option 3: Air Fryer Method (Quick & Crispy)

15. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
16. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
17. Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

Step 4: Serve

18. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes.
19. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with lemon wedges and sliced red onions.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Tandoori Chicken?

• Mint yogurt sauce: Cools down the spice.
• Naan or roti: A perfect side for scooping up juices.
• Basmati rice or pilaf: A light and fragrant accompaniment.
• Grilled vegetables: Complements the smoky flavors.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing contrast to the heat.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Tandoori Chicken

• Use bone-in, skinless chicken: It stays juicier during cooking.
• Marinate overnight: The longer, the better for deep flavor.
• Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking: Ensures even cooking.
• Broil at the end for a charred effect: Mimics the tandoor-style finish.
• Use mustard oil for authenticity: Adds a smoky, nutty depth.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Tandoori Chicken

• Boneless Tandoori Chicken: Use chicken breast or thigh fillets, cook for 15-18 minutes.
• Spicy Tandoori Chicken: Add extra red chili powder or cayenne.
• Tandoori Chicken Skewers: Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks, skewer, and grill.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
• Smoky Restaurant-Style: After cooking, heat a piece of charcoal until red hot, place it in a bowl inside the dish, drizzle with oil, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes to infuse smokiness.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Tandoori Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze-marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.
• Leftover use: Chop up and use in wraps, salads, or sandwiches.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Tandoori Chicken

• Oven method: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
• Air fryer method: Heat at 180°C (350°F) for 5-6 minutes.
• Microwave method: Heat in short 30-second bursts, but avoid overcooking.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver Tandoori Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and healthy dish that delivers authentic Indian flavors with simple cooking methods. Whether cooked in an oven, grill, or air fryer, this recipe guarantees juicy, smoky, and spice-infused chicken that pairs perfectly with rice, naan, or fresh salads.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast for tandoori chicken?

Yes, but use boneless thighs for more juiciness.

Why is tandoori chicken red?

Traditional recipes use Kashmiri chili powder or food coloring.

Can I make tandoori chicken without yogurt?

Yes! Substitute with coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt.

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